Make a Real Impact on Stroke Care Across Somerset
We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated, and forward-thinking Consultant Stroke Physician to join our friendly, high-performing stroke team at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. This is an exciting time to join us, as we expand and redesign stroke services across the county -- including the launch of a new 12bed Hyperacute Stroke Unit (HASU) at Musgrove Park Hospital in April 2026.
You will join a well-established team of 8 consultant stroke physicians and 4 specialist doctors, working collaboratively to deliver high-quality, patient-centred stroke care across Somerset.
If you're passionate about improving stroke services, enjoy teamwork, and want to work in a supportive and progressive environment, we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
As a Consultant Stroke Physician, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality hyperacute, acute, and rehabilitation stroke care. Your work will include:
* Leading daily hyperacute stroke unit ward rounds
* Supporting 24/7 thrombolysis and working with the AGWS telemedicine network
* Running rapid access TIA clinics (7 days at Musgrove)
* Caring for patients on our acute stroke units at Musgrove Park Hospital and Yeovil District Hospital
* Contributing to stroke rehabilitation and early supported discharge services
* Supporting and leading stroke research, with a broad portfolio of trials across the Trust
* Providing clinical supervision and teaching to junior doctors and medical students
* Participating in the 1 in 8 weekend HASU oncall rota
You will be based primarily at Musgrove Park Hospital, with occasional cross-site work in Yeovil.
About us
As the first integrated provider of acute, community, mental health, and primary care services in the country, we are proud to offer outstanding care across Somerset. Our dedicated teams are leading transformation in healthcare delivery, supported by significant capital investment and robust research infrastructure.
We value diversity, inclusion, and a supportive working culture. Whether you're new to consultancy or seeking a fresh challenge, we'll support your growth, offer you mentorship, and provide a structured path to achieving your goals.
Why Join Us?
Work in a forward-thinking Trust recently unified under a single Somerset-wide service
Enjoy flexible working, multidisciplinary collaboration, and strong support for career development
There is a relocation package available to candidates applying for a substantive position, of up to a maximum of 7,700 (terms and conditions apply)
Be part of a research-active department contributing to national stroke studies
Access state-of-the-art facilities, including upgraded CT/MRI imaging, day surgery, and intensive care units
Live and work in stunning Somerset, surrounded by Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, thriving market towns, great schools, and fast links to Bristol, Bath, Exeter, and London
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. Please view the attached JD.
10 PAs total: 8.5 Direct Clinical Care + 1.5 Supporting Professional Activities
Opportunities for additional SPA time for leadership, research, and service development
Full job plan will be agreed with the successful candidate
We strongly encourage informal visits.
Dr Dumin Karunatilake -- Consultant Stroke Physician, Clinical Service Lead
Dumin.Karunatilake@somersetft.nhs.uk
01823 344961
Dr Rob Whiting -- Consultant Stroke Physician, CD for Stroke Transformation
Robert.Whiting@somersetft.nhs.uk
01823 344961
Mrs Lorna Brown -- Service Manager
Lorna.Brown1@somersetft.nhs.uk
01823 342660
Person Specification
Qualifications
* MRCP or equivalent
* Full GMC registration with licence to practise
* Entry on the Specialist Register (or within 6 months of CCT)
* Strong experience in acute stroke, thrombolysis, TIA management, and stroke rehabilitation
* Excellent communication and teamworking skills
* Higher research degree
* Evidence of teaching, leadership, audit, and management experience
* Involvement in stroke research or quality improvement
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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